The International Court of Justice on Tuesday night ordered a stay on the execution of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on espionage charges, according to NDTV.
More details are awaited on the International Court of Justice order, which was sent to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, NDTV reported. His mother, Avanti Jadhav, had filed an appeal at a higher court in Pakistan seeking a stay on his death sentence.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on social media that she had informed Jadhav’s mother about the order.
Pakistan had accused Jadhav of having entered the country through Iran and helping Baloch separatists. It had charged him with terrorism, sabotage and violating the country’s Foreigner Act. After his arrest, the Pakistani Army had released what they claimed was a “confessional video”. So far, Islamabad has denied New Delhi consular access to Jadhav 16 times.
India had admitted that he was a retired Indian Navy officer, but had denied all claims that he was involved with the government in any way.
Here is the text of the International Court’s press release that details India’s appeal to the International Court, accusing Pakistan of “egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular access”.
Referring to “the extreme gravity and immediacy of the threat that authorities in Pakistan will execute an Indian citizen in violation of obligations Pakistan owes to India”, India urged the court to deliver an Order indicating provisional measures immediately, “without waiting for an oral hearing.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!